IKS Series : Book-10

Global Influence of Ancient Indian Knowledge

Chapter-1: Introduction to Global Outreach of Indian Knowledge Systems

Overview: Explores the historical dissemination of IKS beyond India through trade, migration, philosophy, religion, and culture to Western (Central Asia, Europe) and Eastern (Southeast Asia) regions. 

Chapter-2: Influence of Sanskrit on Ancient European Languages and Mythologies

Overview: Examines linguistic affinities between Sanskrit and Indo-European languages (Greek, Latin), shared mythological motifs, and Indo-European connections highlighting Sanskrit's foundational role. 

Chapter-3: Indian Philosophy's Impact on Ancient Greek Thinkers

Overview: Discusses parallels and possible influences on Pythagoras, Socrates, Plato, Plotinus, Porphyry, and Neo-Platonism through concepts like soul, reality, and metaphysics from Upanishads and Vedanta. 

Chapter-4: Trade and Cultural Exchanges with Roman Empire and Ancient Civilizations

Overview: Covers Indo-Roman trade, cultural interactions in Mesopotamia, Sumeria, Kassites, Persia, Yazidis; exchange of ideas, goods, and artistic motifs between ancient India and West Asia. 

Chapter-5: Indian Influence in Central Asia and West Asia

Overview: Highlights cultural, religious, and linguistic impacts in Persia, Mesopotamia, and related regions through Zoroastrian parallels, trade routes, and shared deities or philosophical elements. 

Chapter-6: Indianized Kingdoms in Southeast Asia: An Overview

Overview: Introduces major kingdoms influenced by IKS – Mataram, Pagan (Burma), Khmer (Cambodia), Srivijaya, Ayutthaya, Rajahnate of Cebu – through Hinduism, Buddhism, and royal patronage. 

Chapter-7: Geographical and Toponymic Influence of India in Southeast Asia

Overview: Analyzes Indian-derived place names across Southeast Asia, reflecting linguistic, religious, and cultural adoption from Sanskrit and Pali sources in regional nomenclature. 

Chapter-8: Indian Temple Architecture and Iconography in Southeast Asia

Overview: Covers key temples like Bayon (Angkor), Pura Besakih (Bali), Prambanan (Indonesia), Batu Caves (Malaysia), Vat Phou (Laos), and others showcasing Hindu-Buddhist architectural styles. 

Chapter-9: Influence of Ramayana and Mahabharata on Southeast Asian Arts

Overview: Explores adaptations of Indian epics in SEA paintings, theater, dance forms (e.g., Thai Ramakien, Indonesian Wayang), and their integration into local cultural narratives. 

Chapter-10: Influence of Manu Smriti and Sanskrit on Southeast Asian Legal and Linguistic Systems

Overview: Discusses Manusmriti's impact on Sarasamuccaya law codes in Java-Bali; Brahmi script's evolution into Burmese, Thai, Lao, Khmer scripts; Siddham in Japan; Laguna Copperplate. 

Chapter-11: Hindu Deities and Their Adoption in Southeast Asia

Overview: Examines worship and iconography of Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva, Saraswati, Ganesha, Rama, Garuda, Naga across SEA kingdoms, blended with local beliefs and art forms. 

Chapter-12: Contacts with Sri Lanka and Africa: Trade, Technology, and Culture

Overview: Covers Chola influence in Sri Lanka, Buddhism transmission, Jataka stories, textile technology, stone carving, Socotra inscriptions, and maritime trade links with Africa. 

Chapter-13: Cambodia Sanskrit Inscriptions and Epigraphic Evidence

Overview: Analyzes Sanskrit inscriptions in Cambodia (Angkor period) as evidence of direct Indian cultural, religious, and administrative influence through royal patronage and literature. 

Chapter-14: Influence of IKS on Modern Western Thinkers and Philosophers

Overview: Highlights impact on Emerson, Thoreau, Whitman, Schopenhauer, Huxley, Watts, Campbell, Schrödinger, Bohm, Tesla, Chomsky; their engagement with Vedanta, Upanishads, and Indian metaphysics. 

Chapter-15: Key Indian Spiritual Figures and Their Global Impact

Overview: Discusses Vivekananda, Yogananda, Aurobindo, Mahesh Yogi, Rajneesh, Krishnamurti, Sivananda, Iyengar, Krishnamacharya – their role in transmitting yoga and Vedanta to the West. 

Chapter-16: Global Impact of Yoga on Western Culture, Art, Literature, and Fields

Overview: Examines yoga's influence from 18th century onward on Western philosophy, art, film, literature, science, music (Beatles, Harrison), and modern wellness movements. 

Professional Note

Authors may submit chapters other than those listed above, provided the proposed chapter aligns with the overall theme and objectives of the book.